MWR - US Army South Korea
THE HARDRIDERS - HIGH NOON
Southern Rock - Asia Tours
Between the borders of North and South Korea is a small demilitarized zone, the DMZ. Because these two countries are technically still at war and never signed a peace treaty, the DMZ is a very tense region of constant conflict
US military troops in this region are within 30 air miles of the enemy and first line of defense against invasion. Constant propaganda from the North makes being a military personnel in this region a less than desired profession.
In 1994, as keyboardist for the Hardriders, Conrad Askland spent three months entertaining these troops serving along the Korean DMZ. The “Hardriders DMZ Tour”, consisting of a heavy dose of Southern and Classic Rock, seemed to be the perfect medium to ease the pressure for these troops overseas, if only for a few hours.
The shows were so successful that the group extended its tour and went directly to Tokyo to perform at Yokohama and other military installations. Other members of the group were JD Wilson (Vocals), Kirk Eipper (Bass), Mark Marino (Guitar) and Michael Davidson (Drums). Stateside the group continued performing throughout Southern California and Las Vegas as The High Noon Band
As a side note, it was during the down time of this tour that most of the material was written for New Faces ‘95, the first compilation CD released by Road Records Recording Studio. Mark Marino was featured as a vocalist on New Faces ‘95 and Kirk Eipper continues to work occasionally as a studio musician for Road Records. Kirk plays mandonlin, pedal steel, bass and guitar.
The High Noon country band did several fundraisers with William Shatner and “Ahead With Horses” to benefit handicapped children.
The High Noon band performed together until 1997. JD Wilson (Vocals) moved to Nashville, TN to pursue her music career. Kirk Eipper (Steel Guitar, Bass, Guitars) continues to play throughout Southern California. Michael Davidson (Drums) pursued a career as a booking agent in Las Vegas. Mark Marino (Vocals, Guitar) and Jimmy Harris (Bass) continue to play throughout Southern California as “The Rutherfords”. Conrad Askland (Keyboards) left in 1996 to play with Freddy Fender and now owns Road Records and our parent company, Askland Technologies, Inc.